Chris Hemsworth was paid $450,000 for providing the voiceover for the aquatic and coastal experiences video. Source: InstagramSource:Supplied

CHRIS Hemsworth’s voice is doing a lot more for Australian tourism than Sir David Attenborough in a scuba suit.

Figures unveiled at the Australian Tourism Exchange, revealed the hunky actor’s involvement in Tourism Australia’s aquatic and coastal experiences campaign had generated more than 2000 media stories worth the equivalent of $55 million in marketing dollars.

In contrast Attenborough’s much-hyped documentary series on the Great Barrier Reef inspired just over 900 stories, with an estimated value of just $5.3 million.

No contest. Sir David Attenborough might have credibility but he doesn’t have the appeal of Chris Hemsworth. Picture: Tourism AustraliaSource:Supplied

Hemsworth was paid $450,000 for providing the voiceover for the aquatic and coastal experiences video, while taxpayers stumped up $1.5 million towards the Attenborough doco.

Tourism Australia Managing Director John O’Sullivan told the ATE, the Hemsworth-voiced campaign had made a big impression in the US, and an even bigger splash in China.

“On (Chinese social media channel) WeChat, 19 million people have already downloaded and consumed that film and that’s only after two weeks of that particular content being in the market,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

“No-one sells Australia or tells the story about Australia better than Australians.”

Go Aussie ... Chris Hemsworth has proven to be a popular choice for Australian Tourism Ambassador. Picture: SplashSource:Splash News Australia

Federal Minister for Trade and Investment, Steven Ciobo also addressed the ATE being attended by more than 2000 travel agents from Australia and overseas.

Asked how the Federal Government could justify raising the cost of an Australian passport — already one of the most expensive in the world — Mr Ciobo said people who travelled overseas could afford it.

“If we didn’t have a very large deficit problem we wouldn’t need to raise the cost of the passport. We have to make hard decisions,” he said.

“We know those Australians are already spending a substantial amount to take an overseas holiday and the increase in the cost of a passport is not large compared with the investment made to travel abroad.

“And frankly if it means more Australians holiday domestically (as a result) that’s not a bad thing.”

Winner. A still from the Aquatic and Coastal Experiences campaign, voiced by Chris Hemsworth. Picture: Tourism AustraliaSource:Supplied

From January 1, the cost of a ten-year adult passport will increase $20 to $274, and rise $10 to $137 for a five-year child’s passport.

Mr Ciobo was also questioned about the 32.5 per cent backpacker tax — due to take effect on July 1 despite strong opposition from tourism operators and the agriculture sector.

There had been much expectation the proposed tax would be wound back after Federal Tourism Minister Richard Colbeck announced a review in March — only to have the Treasurer backflip.

Minister Ciobo said he was aware of the industry’s concerns but provided no guarantee the issue would be resolved before the July 2 election.

“It’s a matter that remains under close scrutiny. I suspect over the weeks and months ahead, more clarity will be able to be provided,” he said.

“What we’re not going to do though is make any kneejerk announcements, without taking into account the possible ramifications of that.”